|  Construction is complete on the newly renovated Mississippi Museum of Art, creating a beautiful new home for the Museum and its permanent collection of art. The renovation project, which took just under a year to complete, marks a historical day for Mississippi and its artistic legacy.
Although the move from the Mississippi Arts Center to the new facility is small geographically, amounting to no more than a city block, it pushes the Museum light years ahead in terms of capabilities, technology, and the overall philosophy of what an art museum means to the community. The facility’s brilliant architectural makeover reflects the museum’s mission to become a symbolic “museum without walls”—an inviting public space that offers relevant and meaningful cultural experiences to both the Jackson community and the state of Mississippi.
The arhcitecture of the Museum is a tangible manifestation of a philosophical mission. For many years, the mission of MMA was “collecting, preserving and exhibiting art”, a typical museum mission statement. However, when the board of Trustees of the Museum began to plan the building process more than five years ago, the mission was changed to “engage Mississippians in the visual arts”, a statement that focuses on community interaction and personal experience. The Architects, Glavé and Holmes in Richmond, Virginia, and Dale & Associates locally, applied this new philosophical mission to the architecture of the building, creating a sleek, open design for the once-rectangular building. The museum lobby and entryway is filled with light through the use of a large amount of glass and by raising the roof of the entryway. Museum visitors plainly see not only the entrance to the Museum but other visitors inside the building, breaking down barriers and creating a transparent front door that makes everyone feel welcome. A vibrant café with wireless Internet encourages visitors to sit and relax, and a newly-added front porch creates a welcoming and comfortable space that is, literally, the front porch of the downtown cultural district.
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 The Mississippi Museum of Art has been a community-supported institution for more than 100 years, and was at its former location since the late 1970s. The Museum boats a seasoned staff of museum professionals and fiscally responsible administrators who have been managing operating budgets for over 30 years. These individuals have worked to ensure that this move is the best thing for the art of Mississippi and for the people of Mississippi. The Museum’s twenty-nine affiliate museums across the state will continue to benefit from the loan of artwork and traveling exhibitions, ensuring that even those Mississippians who cannot make the trip to Jackson can enjoy our rich cultural history. MMA will use its new and larger home to expand its programs and community outreach that are already in place.
The new museum will also play a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Jackson. Situated between Thalia Mara Hall and the new convention center, the Museum will serve as the centerpiece of Jackson's cultural district. Visitors to the convention center will get a grand impression of Mississippi's creative heritage. And meeting goers, as well as everyday downtowners, can adjourn to the Museum for particularly inspirational coffee breaks. It sets the stage for a remarkable rebirth. Mississippi has always had an abundant supply of creative energy. The Mississippi Museum of Art will be the new fountainhead- attracting people from all walks to discuss the issues and glories of the past and present, while inspiring the future.
Redefining Culture.
Rebuilding Community.
Click the links below for more information.
Clarion-Ledger, March 5, 2007
Museum building momentum.Clarion-Ledger, April 11, 2006
New museum design 'contemporary' and 'inviting'
By Sherry Lucas
Clarion-Ledger, April 15, 2006
Art museum: Plans fit perfectly for Jackson
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All Content © 2006 The Mississippi Museum of Art |
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